Hodgepodge

"It took people 10 years to figure out that while stuck in a morning commute, they could be listening to a book."- Paul Hilts

Hey readers! Well believe it or not, this is my first official post of the new year! Took me that long. Well I've got a few books to talk about and they don't really relate to each other. I read a few of these a while ago but I've had so much work lately. I know that's not an excuse, it's really because I'm just lazy. I mean I spend all day on my computer and I can't even write one post? Crazy, I know. But I'm actually really sorry for not writing. Cry cry, sniff sniff. *Puts awesome face back on*.

The first is called "Olive's Ocean" by Kevin Henkes. This book is probably one of the best and one of the worst books I've ever read. It's about a girl named Martha who is finding herself. She thought she was well to do until she gets some news. A girl she hardly knew, died. As you guessed, the girl was named Olive. Shortly after Martha hears this, she learns how much she actually had in common with each other. Martha then goes to spend the summer with her grandmother where her teen girl hormones take over and she gets her heart broken! The book jumps all over the place, making it hard to understand, but it's totally relate able. Also, Martha is only 12 but she seems 16! It's crazy. I don't think that a book from the point of view of a tween girl should be written by a grown man. Recommended for kids age 12-16.

The next book is called "The Breadwinner" by Deborah Ellis. It's about a girl growing up under the rule of the Taliban. She knows that it's not a proper way to live, but also knows she can't do anything about it. Then, one day her dad gets taken to jail. Her family is struck with shock and all of them start losing hope. In a family of four girls and a baby boy, there isn't much they can do. Since the main girl, Parvana, is only 11, she is still able to pass off for a boy. So she does just that. With the help of an old teacher, Parvana manages to make money selling goods, both legal and contraband. Overall the book has a happy ending. Their father comes back, the oldest sister gets engaged, and everyone seems fine. I just don't understand the very end. What happens to the rest of the characters? It just seems to trail off. I recommend this to EVERYONE, OF ALL AGES!

The next one is a sequel sequel sequel. Yes I said it 3 times. It's called "Thirteen Plus One" by Lauren Myracle. As many of you know, she is my favorite author so expect a lot of books by her. Its the fourth in the Winnie Series, but not my favorite. It takes place during Winnie's ninth grade year. She's still managing to keep her boyfriend, by barely. I especially liked the summer chapters. Her camp seems so much fun! There were some things I didn't understand though. I've known they live in Atlanta, but when did they get southern accents? I don't remember then saying y'all in the other ones! And another thing: what happened to each month being a chapter? I loved that! It didn't start and end in March, which made me sad. This is my least favorite in the series, but if you liked the others then most definitely read this one. 3/5 stars, for girls.

The last book is called "Dumped by Popular Demand" by P.G. Kain. It's about a girl, Dorie Dilts, and her adjustment to East Coast life. She moves from southern California to New Jersey. While there, she has a realization that no one at this new school knows her. She does some research and comes up with a whole new look. Her plan: to be popular. Dorie knows it will be hard, but with the right people at the right time, she just might get there. And she almost does! Until someone *Grant* messes her up. It's a touching book about growing up, moving, and family all at the same time! There is also a sequel but it isn't available in stores so it's going to take me a while to get it. 4/5 stars, for girls.

Ah I know this wasn't the best post possible but what are you gonna do? I currently have seven books on my "To Read" shelf, and am on the last chapter of another. I would say expect another post soon, but I don't trust myself anymore.

Keep reading!

Oops, Sorry!

Readers,

I am deeply truly sorry about not writing another post. I've been so busy lately, what with school returning and a musical theater workshop, there just isn't any time! I really hope I will have time to write another post before the end of January, considering I just bought seven new books and have about four others I need to write about.

So sorry, keep reading!